Home Elliptical Machines

Knowing what you are looking for is going to affect how to compare elliptical machines, so first you need to narrow down your list of possible machines. Please refer to the elliptical buying guide to help identify which features are important for your next elliptical machine. You can also refer to the comparison charts for elliptical trainers and the corresponding elliptical reviews.

For example, we recommend you choose your list of possible elliptical machines based on price, stride length, warranty, pedal spacing, footprint, and upper body workout preferences. You can rule out ellipticals that do not meet your specific criteria.

There are several different types of ellipticals that may effect how you compare elliptical machines.

Compact and Folding Ellipticals

If you are tight on space, you will want to pay special attention to the elliptical machines that either take up a small footprint or fold to allow for easier storage. Heavier machines will make it more difficult to relocate a machine in the event that you need to regain more space in your room.

Front and Rear Drive Ellipticals

This describes the position of the flywheel on the elliptical machine. Usually rear drive ellipticals are smoother and feel more natural but there are very good constructed front wheel drive ellipticals. Front drive ellipticals with roller wheels or articulating foot pedals can feel great too. I would recommend keeping your search broad when you first start researching ellipticals and include both front and rear drive ellipticals.

Used and Refurbished Ellipticals

Typically you will want to purchase a refurbished elliptical over a used elliptical because all of the parts have been replaced. Purchasing a used elliptical usually means you are buying ‘as is’ and that is an expensive piece of equipment with little warranty that it will function. Even if you plan to purchased a used elliptical trainer, it is still a good idea to narrow down your search by figuring out the machine you’d really like to have, even if you have to buy it new.

Ellipticals with Power Incline

If you narrow your search to only ellipticals with power incline, you will have a hard time finding the perfect machine within your budget because there just are not many. Power incline is great but you can still exercise many different muscle groups in you legs with elliptical resistance by altering your position and stance.

 

Once you have narrowed your search down to include only the elliptical machines that meet your specifications, it is much easier to compare elliptical machines and narrow them down to the best elliptical for your budget.

Don’t go too narrow with your search at first. Its worthwhile to consider all price ranges and types of ellipticals, thoroughly read reviews and comparisons, and strongly assess the features you do and don’t need.